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In the popular American TV show Friends, two of the main characters, Chandler and Joey, accidentally find a free porn channel during one of the episodes. From the moment they see it, they develop an urge to keep it running – even if it means leaving the TV on for days. This addiction to porn is an increasing phenomenon due to, on the one hand … Continue reading It’s Time to Talk Porn
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I interviewed Siân Docksey prior to the salon to ask her how she found out about this unique, yet fascinating opportunity, to which she replied, “way back in March when the world set on fire and everything just disintegrated in front of us, I lost all of my gigs. I was on a writer’s weekly mail out and there was an advert for joining a Creative Fellowship at the University”. After questioning whether being a ‘Fellow’ involved “[walking] around in a cravat [tipping your] hat at people”, she soon discovered that the University of Exeter’s Arts and Culture team recruits three Creative Fellows a year, who work with academics to enhance their area of research. So, “it’s a bit like speed dating,” Siân noted, laughing. As if by fate, Siân was partnered with Dr Ina Linge, an expert in “The Politics of Sexual Nature”. Continue reading Interview: Siân Docksey from The Sex and Nature Salon
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The vagina has been a very popular subject for artists throughout history, from ancient sculptures to modern art installation, the vagina has, and probably always will be, a well of artistic inspiration. But for those with vaginas, how does this art affect how womxn are perceived and treated in society as a whole? Continue reading From ‘The Birth of Venus’ to ‘The Great Wall of Vagina’: A History of Yonic Art
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Given we all have more spare time because of lockdown, I’m sure I’m not alone in admitting that I’ve been reading some books with a few spicy scenes. Especially with the likes of Bridgerton being released on Netflix in January, a lot of the popular books have a steamy romance at the heart of their narrative. The intimate parts of any novel always walk a … Continue reading Steamy Scandals: Literary Representations of Sex
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A 30-year-old woman has been condemned for speaking about sex toys on her social media platform, highlighting only too vividly how female sexuality continues to incite alarm in society. Continue reading Zoella’s ‘Best Sex Toys’ Review: Why are we so Scared of Female Sexuality?
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Recently, I came across a post about domestic abuse on Instagram. One comment was posted by a woman who bravely opened up about her experience with rape and coercion in a past relationship. In response, another commenter bluntly told her that her experience ‘didn’t count’ as rape, because she was coerced, not violently forced. This basic lack of understanding, as well as respect for the survivor, astounded me. Not only did this commenter not understand that coercion can absolutely constitute rape, they also invalidated the woman’s experience. Even for a comment left by an anonymous Instagram account, this exchange struck me as hugely disheartening. Continue reading Consent Education in School: Where the Improvements Need to be Made
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Enthralled with journalistic spirit, I initially took this article up in the hopes of getting Exeter-wide data about the trials and tribulations of discreet sex in lockdown. My ambitious naivety led me to set up a questionnaire on ‘Overheard in Exeter’, hoping that amongst the thousands of students I would receive hundreds of responses detailing personal experiences. In reality, only nine people responded. To add … Continue reading Discreet under the Sheets
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Casual hook-ups, dating and late-night tinder encounters have become extinct practices due to COVID-19 and government regulations to control the virus. However, this is not to say that sex is not happening. Whilst it may feel strange to seek contraception in a time where physical contact is being so publicly discouraged, it is important to remember that every aspect of your health is valuable and should be taken care of. So, whether you are in lockdown with your significant other or just wanting to explore your contraceptive options, there are lots of resources still available to you. Continue reading Accessing Contraception During COVID-19
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[TW: Sexual abuse] Lately it has seemed impossible to chat with other students about what’s kept us busy in lockdown without Bridgerton popping up. The period drama set in Regency era London has fuelled everyone’s Netflix addictions since it premiered last December, attracting millions of viewers with its escapist settings, steamy romance plots, and costumes as vibrant as they are wildly historically inaccurate (which I’ll … Continue reading The Future of Period Drama
Female masturbation has always been a taboo subject. And the only way to overcome taboo is by talking about that thing. So, let’s talk about it. Sex toys are important not only because they cataylse a conversation about a topic which women often feel ashamed to talk about, but they are also an active agent in taking control of sexual pleasure. Nothing signifies female empowerment better than being able to orgasm on your own, wherever and whenever you want (within reason, of course). Continue reading Why Sex Toys Continue to be Devices for Women’s Empowerment
